Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 - Best Time to See Cherry Blossom in Hong Kong and Singapore

Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 - Best Time to See Cherry Blossom in Hong Kong and Singapore

It's that time of year once more! Spring is recognized for its gorgeous weather, fresh starts, and, if you live in East Asia, cherry blossoms! This lovely plant, commonly known as sakura flowers, blooms for a brief time but has brilliant colours and fragrant blooms that are Instagram-worthy. The cherry blossom season lasts from late March to mid-April or even early May and is a period for festivals across East Asian civilizations. Although the cherry blossom has a different symbolic meaning in each culture, they all symbolize new beginnings, renewal, and rebirth.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival recalls Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo's 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, DC, and celebrates the people of the United States and Japan's continuing friendship. The National Cherry Blossom Festival now lasts four weeks. It attracts over 1.5 million visitors who enjoy diverse and creative programming that promotes traditional and modern arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. The majority of events are free and open to the public.

What is Sakura Festival

The Japanese cherry blossom festival (hanami) has been celebrated for centuries. It is celebrated in Japan and many other countries throughout the world. The festival consists of throwing gatherings under the fleeting cherry blossoms as they bloom. These parties can occur throughout the day or at night (the nocturnal equivalent is yozakura). Many natives and foreign visitors rejoice and sometimes even explore Japan by rail to take in all the sights during this time.

Cherry blossom festivals are a unique form of celebration in that the dates are determined by when the trees bloom. Furthermore, the blooms only bloom for a brief period - up to two weeks. This signifies that the entire country is focused on the trees, ready to break into song as the blossoms bloom. Owing to this, Japanese news stations monitor and report on the "Cherry Blossom Front" in what is termed "The Blossom Forecast."

Sakura, especially their ephemeral flowers, are extremely important in Japanese culture. The tree celebrations inspired a popular folk song, "Sakura," or simply "Sakura." Although most Japanese inhabitants do not identify as religious, the two most popular religions in the country historically have been Shinto and Buddhism, both of which have strongly influenced Japanese culture. Sakura is important in both religions. Sakura is supposed to host kami in Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion (sacred spirits or forces). Meanwhile, the fleeting character of cherry blossoms reflects the importance of transience in Buddhist doctrine.

1) Why is the cherry blossom festival celebrated?

A cherry blossom festival, also known as Sakura Matsuri, is a spring event that honours the natural beauty of cherry trees and Japanese food, culture, and history. As acts of benevolence and friendship, such festivals are organized worldwide, including in Japan. Most big cities hold one every year in the spring.

A cherry blossom celebration revolves around the lovely pale pink blooms of Prunus yedoensis, the Yoshino cherry tree. The Yoshino cherry, often known as sakura in Japanese, is an ornamental tree grown for its flowers rather than fruit. Thousands of years of Japanese history honour the cherry, which is extensively depicted in Japanese art and culture. Many Japanese people look forward to the annual ritual of blossom viewing parties, which sometimes include picnics under cherry trees in the countryside. Most blossom viewing parties incorporate art and poetry, with visitors writing brief rhymes or creating brush paintings to commemorate the occasion.

2) Where is the cherry blossom festival celebrated?

Cherry Blossom is celebrated in Japan. Regrettably, these festivals have no definite time or date because they depend on the trees' bloom cycle. Sakura is most typically seen in the spring, between March and May. However, this largely depends on the environment; sakura blooms earlier in warmer temperatures. Therefore they often begin to bloom in January on the subtropical island of Okinawa.

Because the climate of Japan becomes milder the farther north one goes, the northernmost sections of the country have the latest cherry blossoms. Although the bloom of cherry blossoms cannot be anticipated with 100% accuracy, the JNTO forecast map provides information on the projected progress of the colours.

Top 8 Cherry Blossom Spots to Visit in Hong Kong

When spring arrives in Japan, there is a cherry blossom craze—for the right reasons. KKday provides the best Hong Kong packages by using KKday promo code hk during spring. These lovely yet transitory blossoms are a pleasure to behold. It also symbolizes new beginnings, urging us to embrace each moment while it lasts, as the blooms are only in bloom for a limited period. 

  • On King Street Park

The cherry blossoms at On King Street Park are the city's newest attraction. With more than a dozen cherry blossoms there, runners are provided with a wonderful vista to stop and rest and take a breather before they continue jogging. 

  • New Asia College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

It may seem strange for a university to be one of the city's few cherry blossom places. Still, the 20 cherry trees planted here were to commemorate the university's department of Japanese studies' 20th anniversary. While most cherry trees outside Chih Hsing Hall in New Asia College are Japanese flowering cherry trees, a handful is dark pink cherry trees near the school bus stop at United College.

  • Quarry Bay Promenade

Quarry Bay Promenade has a gorgeous promenade to stroll or jog about, spectacular views of Hong Kong's seas, and a cherry blossom viewing area. The promenade transforms into a romantic strolling destination for couples when night falls. During the day, it serves as a playground for children, skaters, and tai chi practitioners. You can also get some sun here when out on a picnic.

  • Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Another fantastic spot for folks who enjoy flowers and the environment is Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. Spanning 148 hectares of land on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, visitors may view the forest, gardens, walking pathways, vegetable terraces, and cherry blossoms here. Taiwan cherry trees, which differ from those found in Japan, are housed in this pavilion.

  • Rotary Park, Tai Mo Shan Country Park

You'll be greeted by several cherry trees as soon as you enter Tai Mo Shan Country Park. The backdrop is even more spectacular at the Rotary Park Nature Trail, which features 38 cherry trees along the picturesque park route. Nature enthusiasts will rejoice since the national park is also an excellent area to trek up and appreciate Hong Kong's magnificent vistas.

  • Kwan Kung Pavillion, Cheung Chau

It may surprise you, but the bright, picturesque island of Cheung Chau is home to ten cherry trees, particularly in the Kwan Kung Pavilion. This creates an amazing scene as the beautiful cherry blossoms contrast with the classic red Chinese pavilion. A 2.5-meter-tall statue of Kwan Kung, a Han-period general, is also housed within the shrine. If you're heading to Cheung Chau, you might as well visit all the nice cafés, enjoy the tranquil view, and sample all the excellent food. It's ideal for a day trip or weekend break.

  • Hong Kong Velodrome Park

Hong Kong Velodrome Park is arguably the most densely forested area. This location is home to 11 cherry trees from Taiwan and Japan. Popular Instagram locations for cherry blossom photographs include the velodrome and the centre lawn. If you want to explore the park more, they also have a skatepark and a climbing wall if you want to attempt some outdoor sports.

  • Tai Po Waterfront Park

Tai Po Waterfront Park is the city's largest public park, spanning 22 hectares. It is also home to the most variety of cherry blossoms in Hong Kong, including the Yoshino and Fuji cherry. Tai Po Waterfront Park is a must-see if you enjoy flowers, with camellia and roses among the wide varieties. The spiral viewing tower is one of the gram' and a wonderful spot to promenade.

Best Time to See Cherry Blossom in Hong Kong

The bloom dates for those determined to visit Japan during cherry blossom season are governed by weather conditions each year. Websites like Klook and Tiqets now offer huge discounts using the Klook promo code hk or Tiqets promo code hk.  The cherry blossom season, rigorously monitored and publicized across the country, begins as early as January near Japan's southernmost coast. The ideal time to see cherry blossom flowers in Kyoto, Tokyo, and the surrounding areas are usually during March and April. What about cities further north, such as Sapporo? Expect to see no pink until at least May.

Cherry Blossom in India

Cherry blossoms are frequently associated with Japan—the perfect pink situation with blue skies. Yet, you'll be amazed to learn that cherry blossoms are available all year in India! Cherry blooms can be found in all seasons, from the western to the eastern Himalayas. During the winter months, Shillong is India's Cherry Blossom Capital. Every year in November, Shillong hosts an international cherry blossom festival.

November is also an excellent month to visit Meghalaya because the weather and temperatures are ideal-cool but not too chilly! Shillong is the centre of attraction because of Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. Aside from the event, regions like Cherrapunji are rich in flora and fauna. Most of Shillong and Meghalaya's tourist attractions relate to natural paradise!

The Cherry Blossom Mao Festival was held in Manipur's Senapati district to mark the start of the district's pink season. The Mao area of Manipur's Senapati district is famous for its Cherry Blossom, also known as Sakura in Japan. Since 2017, the Manipur government has organized the Festival every year. Mao town's gorgeous scenery is covered with beautiful Cherry Blossom blooms for the event.

Top 8 Dreamy Spots To Find 'Sakura Trees' In Malaysia 

If you are finding the best spot for "Sakura Trees" in Malaysia, look at the list below. You can also get amazing deals on the Wonderfly voucher code or Klook promo code.

  • Damansara Uptown, PJ
  • Alor Setar, Kedah
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang
  • Alor Gajah, Melaka
  • Penang Island
  • Gombak, KL (towards Batu Caves)
  • Setapak, KL
  • Mont Kiara, KL

So, book a flight using the Malaysia Airlines promo code and enjoy these top 8 spots for cherry blossoms.

Best Time to See Cherry Blossom in Malaysia

If you're from Singapore and want to travel later, you'll be pleased to know we have our sakura! From now until April 3, you'll feel like you're in Japan as you stroll through the Flower Dome's torii gates and feast your eyes on stunning hanami (flower viewing) of sakura and momo (peach blossoms)! You can also see koinobori (Japanese carp streamers) and the magnificent Japanese red-crowned cranes (tancho) adorning the Flower Field.

Even better, Tokidoki characters like Donutella, Sandy, and others are scattered around the environment, so try to spot them! Other Japanese-inspired installations worth photographing include the classic round Japanese windows, or marumado, commonly found in temples and rickshaws. Please return immediately; we must confirm that we are indeed in Japan.

FAQ - 

Q) Is there cherry blossom in Hong Kong?

Yes, Hong Kong has cherry blossoms. Pink and white blossoms are typically linked with Japan or Washington, DC. Yet, hanami, the spring flower-viewing ritual, may be enjoyed right here in Hong Kong. Ngong Ping became the city's newest blossom hotspot in 2018 after planting 400 cherry trees and other spring-flowering varietals. If you want to see cherry blossom flowers in Hong Kong, you can check Trip.com Hong Kong for the best deals. 

Q) Where is the biggest cherry blossom festival in the world?

Every spring, Macon, Georgia, hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Macon dubbed the "International Cherry Blossom Festival," has over 300,000-350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees that blossom annually in late March throughout the city. The festival, which takes place during the normal blossoming season, lasts ten days and includes festivities for people of all ages. Since 1982, it has been an annual event, though the 2020 edition was cancelled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q) What month is the cherry blossom in Korea in 2023?

In Korea, cherry blossoms bloom from mid-March to early April. They begin in the south on Jeju Island and gradually make their way up to Seoul by early April. As a result, you can drive across the country and see various cherry blossom places along the route. Peak Korean cherry blossom dates, or when the majority of cherry blossoms are fully open, are typically 4 to 7 days after the start date.

Q) Which country is best for cherry blossom?

The best country for cherry blossom is East Asia, including China, Korea, and, notably, Japan. They mainly refer to aesthetic cherry trees instead of those that produce edible fruit. It is regarded as Japan's national flower. The wild cherry tree is widely dispersed, primarily in the Northern hemisphere. Cherry trees for decorative purposes are classed in the genus Prunus, which has over 400 species in Europe and North America.

Q) Is there cherry blossom in Malaysia?

Like sakura blossoms in Japan, Tecoma trees in Malaysia bloom in pink or white variants. These exquisite blooms resemble tiny trumpets, with soft tissue paper-like petals that have earned the moniker of 'tissue paper tree.' From February through March, these trees bloom their fullest in dry seasons that follow spells of heavy rain, eliciting adoration from passersby and Instagrammers wanting to pepper their posts with sakura images. You can easily search for the best prices on KKday Malaysia and Trip.com Malaysia. Even if you can't see the famous sakura blooms in Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea this year, consider visiting these charming Malaysian towns, from Penang to Kedah.

 

Enjoy the view!

 

By: VouchersOnSale